Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes knows it would have been a painfully long international break had his side failed to end its winless run against Dundee United.
The Dons, who do not return to action until a week on Sunday against Hamilton Accies, signed off with a much-needed 2-0 victory against Mixu Paatelainen’s side who remain at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
Victory ended a dismal run for the Dons who were knocked out of the League Cup by Championship club Hibs, and took just one point from a possible 15 in the league.
McInnes knows the pressure on the Dons would have risen had they failed to defeat the Arabs and has challenged his side to build on the morale-boosting win after the break.
He said: “It was a good performance and I enjoyed watching my team.
“It would have been a long two weeks if we hadn’t beaten Dundee United and the supporters will be a bit more relaxed after seeing that performance.
“I knew that was a performance we were capable of but as week goes by without a win, it becomes that bit more difficult to change things.
“But Saturday was only a start and it doesn’t mean the next game against Hamilton is going to be any easier.
“That said, it gives us confidence knowing what we can do if we show a real intensity and stop the opposition playing.”
Saturday was also Aberdeen’s first clean sheet for seven matches since defeating the Accies 1-0 at Pittodrie in the middle of September.
McInnes was heartened by a more resolute and solid display from his defence in Saturday’s New Firm derby and added: “We got ourselves out of tricky situations with a calmness in our decision-making against Dundee United, which was pleasing.
“All through the team we worked extremely hard to put pressure on the ball all over the pitch.
“Willo Flood was everywhere, from the first whistle, making sure the game went our way, and his contribution was vital in taking the heat off our defence.
“When we did have to defend, the players did it with a calmness and confidence.
“Over the last two and a half years, clean sheets have given us a real confidence to get our best results so hopefully there is more to come.”